U.S. grocery consumers have flocked online at a rate never seen previously because of the COVID pandemic, with time savings being the primary motivating factor rather than COVID-related safety concerns.

On-premise outlets still are weathering the challenges of being one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic. As the channel pivots, experts note to-go beverage alcohol might be here to stay.

Inspired by being part of so many fans’ love stories, Dunkin’ debuted its first-ever, online wedding-themed pop-up shop, where select fans kicked off Valentine’s Day weekend with a Dunkin’ drive-thru wedding ceremony.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, retailers have worked hard to adapt by making their stores as safe and convenient as possible for consumers. In the limited-assortment stores category, drug stores and discount retailers are finding where they fit in this eCommerce evolution.

San Francisco-based Uber Technologies Inc. and Drizly, Boston, announced that they have reached an agreement for Uber to acquire Drizly for approximately $1.1 billion in stock and cash. After the completion of the transaction, Drizly will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Uber. Drizly’s marketplace will eventually be integrated with the Uber Eats app, while also maintaining a separate Drizly app.

iPourIt, a beverage dispensing technology, uses RFID-activated screens and taps that allow users to pour on their own and serve as little or as much as they please, sampling beers, seltzers, wines and more, the company says.  

Recognizing the diverse range of delicious food, rich history and culture that Black-owned restaurants contribute to the American experience, Pepsi, a brand in Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, introduced Dig In. The consumer-facing, multi-year platform is a rallying call for people to double down on supporting Black-owned restaurants.

As pandemic conditions prompt many consumers to grocery shop from home, supermarkets have adopted omnichannel platforms to maintain sales. As a result, major players are directing capital expenditures to solutions that drive future growth for the channel.

In the past, the high sugar content of juice and juice drinks and its association with breakfast time had the category floundering, Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic and at-home consumers seeking healthful, immune-supporting benefits has led to double-digit growth in juice and juice drinks.

Paris-based VIVANT debuts as an interactive online platform to connect winemakers, consumers and expert wine advisers in streaming Live Experiences. The platform blends engaging interaction, personalized education and lively entertainment by transporting members to iconic wine regions without leaving home, according to the company.